The Samoan community begins debating fa'alavelave, or cultural giving, in South Auckland this morning, helped by a delegation of 30 matai or chiefs from Samoa who were ceremonially welcomed last night.
The deputy chief executive of the ministry of women and community development in Samoa says his government is concerned about the pressure on people to support family back home.
Maulolo Tavita says cultural giving is out of control and people must focus on managing their money.
"It's very difficult to change people's thinking and attitude but it's not impossible and I guess it's really timely now because we are in the middle of this global financial crisis."
Maulolo Tavita says people must only give what they can afford.
